Speech by Dr Eric Kuan, MDIS President at the inaugural MDISSpeeches
Good morning,
Guest-of-Honour, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC;
Dr R. Theyvendran, Secretary-General of the Management Development Institute of Singapore;
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor, Edinburgh Napier University;
Ms Naomi Graham, Vice Principal, International, Edinburgh Napier University;
Faculty Members of Edinburgh Napier University;
Distinguished Guests;
Graduands;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Congratulations
1 A very warm welcome to the inaugural MDIS and Edinburgh Napier University graduation ceremony.
2 Congratulations to our very first batch of nursing graduates! Your hard work and effort have finally paid off. Today marks an important milestone in your lives, having successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from Edinburgh Napier University. I commend you on your diligence and determination to better yourselves professionally.
3 As you progress in your career with enhanced skills and knowledge, the sacrifices you made throughout your academic journey will come to bear. We would like to honour your successful completion of a major part of your education as professional nurses. Graduands, in remembering your family, loved ones and lecturers who had supported you throughout your studies, please give them a big round of applause.
Thank you.
PEI’s first dedicated School of Nursing
4 MDIS is proud to be the first to launch a dedicated School of Nursing in the private education sector in Singapore, in May this year. Our Guest-of-Honour, Dr Chia Shi-Lu had graced the launch and officiated the Opening Ceremony of the MDIS Nursing Practicum Lab, which is a well-equipped facility for post-registered nurses to enhance their practical skills.
5 Establishing the nursing school was a strategic move on our part to align our programme offerings and curricula with the evolving industry requirements. This augments our efforts to facilitate practical learning to nurture work-ready nursing graduates for the global economy.
6 The MDIS School of Nursing currently has 153 students. In the coming years, we aim to enrol more students to meet Singapore’s increasing need for graduate nurses in both public healthcare and aged care settings.
Transnational education at MDIS
7 In delivering one of the best-in-class nursing curriculum, MDIS is honoured to partner with Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), an institution ranked among the Top 5% of Universities by the Times Higher Education World University rankings 2018 in the health and social care sectors.
8 Classes are fully taught by the ENU faculty to ensure students receive a similar learning experience as those studying at the home campus at ENU. The teaching faculty brings with them extensive knowledge and practical experience that have been backed by years of relevant work experience, which enriches our students’ learning outcomes.
9 Additionally, the Bachelor of Science Nursing degree which you have received today is accredited by the Singapore Nursing Board. This accreditation will open the doors to more opportunities for you to excel in your nursing and healthcare career.
Motivation for the future
10 As you step into your workplace with increased confidence, be reminded of the responsibilities and the rewards of your profession. Become exemplary caregivers and good role models to future nurses, and perhaps even encourage them to enrol in MDIS to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
11 Remember to continually upgrade and enhance your own knowledge and skills too. Your learning journey certainly does not end with the attainment of your degree. Embrace lifelong learning to remain relevant. This will help increase your job prospects and raise opportunities for you to take on leadership roles in your workplace.
Closing
12 Class of 2018, I have every confidence in your ability to provide top quality care. Remember your fellow classmates and teaching faculty that were part of your journey. Stay connected with our MDIS Alumni and continue to network with them for new ideas, knowledge and opportunities.
13 Once again, I congratulate all of you on your achievements today! You have chosen to join one of the most challenging and rewarding professions. I wish you every success in your future endeavours!
Thank you.
I declare this Graduation Ceremony open.